30 August 2016 – In line with the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi to protect the rights and promote the welfare of Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. paid courtesy calls on two officials of Al Ain Jail, namely Major Fariz Saeed Al Ahbabi, Deputy General Manager, and Major Hamad Kharbash, Section Chief on August 24.

The courtesy call was followed by a visit and dialogue with Filipino detainees in the said prison facility.

During the two separate calls on the said officials, Ambassador Vingno noted the good relations between the Embassy and the Al Ain Jail officials and staff. He also thanked the officials for treating the detained Filipinos well. The Ambassador said that this is the feedback the Embassy gets from the detainees themselves during its regular jail visits.

In response, both Major Al Ahbabi and Major Kharbash stated that the Filipinos exemplify the best behavior inside the prison facility. They added that Filipinos follow the rules and regulations and try their best to become productive while in jail.

They added that they have observed that Philippine Embassy representatives have always shown genuine concern to Filipinos in jail. This could be seen during jail visits every Wednesday and by attending to the requests of detained Filipinos.

Al Ain Jail officials also stated that they are trying their best to address the needs of all those in prison, especially health-related concerns. They added that the Ambassador is always welcome to visit Al Ain Jail. The officials said that they stand ready to answer any query or concern from the Embassy.

In between the calls, Ambassador Vingno was able to visit and speak with Filipino detainees in Al Ain Jail to address their concerns. The Filipino detainees expressed their gratitude to the Ambassador and his team for paying them a visit. END